Female perceptions and attitudes on contraceptives

Abstract

The use of contraceptives is recognised for its importance in safeguarding an individual’s health by preventing unplanned pregnancies and STIs. In Malta, this notion was accepted towards the latter part of the 20th century. There has been a decline in fertility since the end of World War II in Malta, and a modal shift in thinking was observed since the 1970s, with increasing secularisation. There are studies on the use of contraceptive methods, even in Malta, where since the 1990s, there has been a shift in contraceptives used, but there are limited studies on perceptions and attitudes. This study has found a relationship between place of upbringing and whether participants are influenced by family and friends. Marital status was a determinant factor and influenced whether participants still believe it’s shameful to discuss contraceptives within the community. Overall, the participants still believed that contraceptives are considered shameful within the community.